TEMPE, Ariz. — Mike Trout, dubbed “Captain America” for the World Baseball Classic just three years ago, said on Monday he wasn’t permitted to join the Team USA roster this spring because he couldn’t get his contract insured.

The 34-year-old, who has an extensive injury history over the past five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels but is planning to play center field this year, had long been uncertain about joining his countrymen. Without insurance coverage, Trout might have risked the $35 million he’s set to earn in 2026.

“I did want to play in the WBC,” Trout said on Monday. “It was a few things — obviously insurance was the biggest hurdle I was trying to get through. It’s disappointing, I wanted to run it back with all the guys.”

Houston Astros stars Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa were also unable to acquire insurance and won’t play for Team Venezuela and Team Puerto Rico, respectively. In 2023, Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw faced a similar issue and was left off the roster.

Trout performed well in the 2023 WBC, posting a .962 OPS with three home runs and seven RBIs in the team’s seven games. He famously struck out in the final game against then-Angels teammate Shohei Ohtani to seal a 3-2 championship win for Team Japan.

Even if Trout were able to participate in 2026, it’s unclear what role he’d play on the roster. The centerpiece of the lineup just three years ago, a decline in his on-field production and a lack of certainty about his ability to play the outfield would be areas of concern.

The American team boasts the likes of Aaron Judge, Byron Buxton and Pete Crow-Armstrong in its star-studded outfield, with Kyle Schwarber expected to take the bulk of the DH duties. Roman Anthony was officially added to the outfield group on Monday in place of Corbin Carroll, who had hand surgery last week. Trout said he’s chatted with the team’s new captain, Aaron Judge, and he’s happy that his friend and fellow outfielder earned the title this time around.

“They’re stacked,” Trout said. “I think it’s good for baseball to see the big guys do it. It was kind of up in the air with guys not wanting to do it. Then they saw how exciting it was. The experience is unbelievable. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.”

Trout struggled in 2025 — posting a sub-.800 OPS for the first time in his career, and a career-high 32 percent strikeout rate. He was not voted as an All-Star in either of the past two seasons after being elected for 11 consecutive years, and did not play the outfield after April 2025.

The 11-time All-Star said he’s back in center field after shifting to right field at this time last year. Trout ended up DHing the final four-plus months of his season, which could still constitute a significant chunk of his time in the lineup. But for now, the plan is for him to mostly play center field.

“I prefer center. I just feel comfortable out there,” Trout said. “I feel like I’m at my best when I’m in center.”

The change will help the Angels’ outfield alignment — allowing Jo Adell to mostly play right field, his best defensive position. That, in turn, will allow slugger Jorge Soler to mostly DH. The 33-year-old struggles defensively and said last year that outfield reps contributed to his injury issues.

The Angels had a largely dormant offseason otherwise, bringing in tons of players on minor-league deals and making minimal upgrades to the big-league roster. Trout, however, shied away from providing any substantive thoughts on the team’s chances this year.

“Just gonna take it one game at a time,” Trout said. “We’ve got a great group. It’s Day 1, getting to know everybody. See how it goes.”